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New elected Leeton Shire Councillor Krystal Maytom paid us a visit and discussed her journey to becoming a Councillor. Krystal was born and raised in Leeton, completing her primary education at Parkview Public School before completing her HSC at Leeton High School. Krystal’s story told in her words: “Growing up there were lots of debates around the dinner table and I never shied away from sharing my point of view and perspective. In my late teens I was fortunate enough to do a work placement with Sue Gavel at Leeton On The Move, Sue became a great mentor of mine and encouraged me to become more involved in the Leeton Community. During Year 11 and 12, I was an active part of the Leeton Youth Committee and from that committee the Leeton Skate Committee was formed. The idea was for a skate park in town and through of the group’s fundraising efforts they were able to work with council to build the skate park and it is heartening to see that this is still a much utilised public space in our community.   After leaving Year 12, I stayed in Leeton for a gap year – working at the internet café by day and waitressing at the Historic Hydro by night. At 17 years old, I was approached by Sue Gavel to represent the Leeton Links program as an Ambassador and with a committee consisting entirely of my Mum, Sue and myself we worked hard over the next few months to raise as a much money as we could, a wonderful way to meet others in the community. In April I was named highest fundraiser in the Leeton SunRice Festival. In 2001/2002 I was approached by Rotary to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp in Bathurst – a wonderful opportunity I did not want to pass up and was a great way of connecting with other like-minded individuals. The following year I was invited by Rotary to be one of the leaders at a camp held at the Yanco Ag Institute – another great opportunity to build skill, connect and make some lifelong friends. Having lived in Leeton all of my life – I moved away to Sydney at beginning of 2001 to study an Advanced Diploma of PR and Marketing, following this I lived in Deniliquin and the Gold Coast before moving back to Leeton at the end of 2006. Coming back I realised how much I had missed our little community. I went on to manage the magnificent Roxy Theatre for 7 years – like many of you, the Roxy holds so many great memories for me and I am excited to see the Roxy Theatre upgrade in the work.   Whilst I have always enjoyed giving back and being involved in the community this was put to the backburner for a number of years whilst I was raising my young family. I am a mother to Benji 13, Beau 10 and Aria 8. It was actually through my children that I started to become more active in the local community again – firstly through the Parkview Public School P and C, then I joined the Leeton Business Chamber and I am in my second year as Chamber President. In 2021 I joined the recently reformed Jumpstart Committee and came on board as their Publicity Officer. I am passionate about my involvement with all of these groups but I was itching to do something more and when the opportunity arose to stand for Local Government, I thought it was as good a time as any to throw my hat in the ring. Having grown up with Dad as both a Councillor and Mayor for many years – I knew the level of commitment required and it was my passion for the Leeton Community that really pushed me into putting up my hand. Fortunately, I was elected at the end of 2021 and I am really proud to be part of what I believe is a wonderful group of Councillors who have the best interest of the Leeton Community at heart. I’m not here to say I’ll wave a magic wand and solve all of the current issues and I also do not believe that just wanting to do well for the community will get us where we need to be. It is early days but I am going in with the intent of truly representing the community. Listening to concerns of the residents and working with them to resolve issues when I can. Key focus areas of mine are ensuring that we have adequate, accessible health services, including hospital, ambulance, aged care and mental health. I am part of the recently formed Health Crisis Committee and we are working hard to ensure that we have the appropriate services in town, at the top of this list is a doctor at the hospital, we are exploring ways to make this happen as well as appealing to members of government on these matters. Completion of key projects is also high on my radar – this includes Leeton Pool, Leeton Roxy Community Theatre, Leeton CBD enhancement and the Wamoon Sewer Project. As a Councilllor I do not take my role lightly and recognise that there is a level of accountability that comes with the position.I am also keen to work with our many great community groups who provide support and friendships to our residents. I am interested in the economic growth of our community and working with employers and training institutions to provide opportunities to keep youth in our region.” ******************************** |
Carmel’s Riddle of the Week 
Sergeant Dan
Laurie’s Quote of the Week
